Inspiring Harry, 10

09:03 07 August 2012

Ten year old Harry Wright has launched a fundraising campaign to help his mum, Sarah, who is urgently in need of a lung transplant. Harry is pictured with his mum, his grandad (Steve Gazzard), and siblings Billy and Marnie. Picture by Alex Walton. Ref exe 8677-31-12AW

A Withycombe mum - who needs a life-saving double lung transplant - says she is ‘very proud’ of her 10-year-old son raising funds to fight her condition.

Just two years ago, Sarah Wright, 36, of Featherbed Lane, was a fit and healthy super-mum of three, who regularly ran and took part in exhausting martial arts ‘body combat’ classes.

But then she was diagnosed with fatal lung condition IPF and now has a constant cough, difficulty breathing and finds simple things like putting her children to bed impossible.

Determined a cure should be found for his mum, oldest son Harry has single-handily organised a charity walk-or-ride along the Exe Estuary cycle trail in aid of the British Lung Foundation.

Word has quickly spread and now morev than 50 people, including his friends at Withycombe CE School and his Exmouth Amateurs U11s football team, are taking part.

Sarah was full of pride for her pro-active son for achieving so much with so little help.

She said: “For him to do it with very little support is amazing. He has even written to the mayor and, along with the town crier, he is going to wave us off.”

Sarah, who has a one-in-three chance of receiving the transplant she so badly needs, lost her brother Sean to cancer eight years ago.

She is so keen to support her son’s efforts she plans to challenge her condition and walk the route.

The mum-of-three said: “It is going to be really difficult. I’m going to have help and start an hour and a half earlier.”

She said Harry’s event would raise awareness of lung disease, boosting funds and support.

Young Harry will be joined on his route by brother Billy, six, sister Marnie, four, dad Richie, 35, and granddad Steve Gazzard.

Harry said: “I wanted to do this because my mum is so ill and I wanted to help.”

● The fundraiser will set off from the Carter Avenue park at 9.45am on August 28. Darts Farm owners have offered the use of their conference centre and free refreshments. Sponsor forms are available from Sarahwright13@btinternet.com or from Steve Gazzard on 01395 277185.